Man arrested for allegedly punching teen 39 times outside NH gym

ROCHESTER, NH — A man accused of attacking a woman outside a Rochester, New Hampshire gym has been arrested.

Eighteen-year-old Erin McCarthy was leaving her job at the Planet Fitness on North Main Street around 10 p.m. June 12.

Police said Jordan Lamonde, 22 of Portsmouth, attacked her from behind, punching her 39 times. 

"This was a vicious, unprovoked attack that shocked our community, and I am proud to report that the suspect has been identified and apprehended," Chief Paul Toussaint said.

Surveillance footage captured the beginning of the attack on camera. It also showed Lamonde's car sitting the gym parking lot since 2:20 p.m.

"He was there my whole shift, eight hours just waiting and I don't know why, I have no idea why," McCarthy told Boston 25 News last month, prior to the arrest. 

Fortunately she did not sustain major injuries during the attack.

“I can’t say I’ve ever experienced any incidents like this, where someone waited for hours and continued to beat them 39 times,” Rochester Police Capt. Jason Thomas said.

Police identified Lamonde as a suspect several weeks ago, and arrested him as he was being released from Portsmouth Regional Hospital Monday.

Lamonde lives with his grandparents in Portsmouth.

“They shouldn’t pass judgment until they know the whole story there’s more to the story than anyone knows,” his grandfather told Boston 25 News. "We wouldn't let him live here if he wasn't a good kid."

Lamonde is being held on $150,000 cash bail and will be arraigned Tuesday. His attorney told Boston 25 News that a not guilty plea will be entered in court.

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